Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks boast breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a rich cultural history. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, these parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe.
Glacier National Park is a true gem of the American West. With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and glaciers that have been carved by centuries of snow and ice, this park is a hiker’s paradise. Visitors can explore a wide range of trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is a window into the fiery heart of the Hawaiian Islands. The park is home to the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983. Visitors can hike through ancient lava flows, witness the creation of new land, and marvel at the power of nature.
In this article, we’ll compare these two parks, highlighting the best things to see and do in each. Whether you prefer towering peaks, pristine lakes, or fiery volcanoes, there’s something for everyone in these two amazing parks. So, buckle up and let’s embark on a journey to discover Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park!
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park both offer breathtaking hiking trails, each with their own unique challenges and breathtaking views. In Glacier National Park, the easier hikes include the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Lake Trail. Both offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lakes, and are relatively easy to hike. On the other hand, the hardest hikes in Glacier National Park include the Highline Trail and the Granite Park Trail which offer challenging terrain and steep inclines.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park also offers a range of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. The easiest hike is the Kīlauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile hike through a lush rainforest that leads to the crater of the Kīlauea volcano. The hardest hike in the park is the Mauna Loa Trail, a 13-mile hike that rises to the summit of the Mauna Loa volcano. This hike is not for the faint of heart and requires a high level of physical fitness. Both trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but the Mauna Loa Trail is particularly breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Pacific Ocean.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer a range of hiking trails, from easy to challenging. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are vastly different in terms of their geography, climate and wildlife. Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is characterized by its glaciers, alpine meadows and rugged peaks. On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and features volcanic landscapes, with active and dormant volcanoes, lush rainforests, and unique endemic species.
In terms of wildlife, Glacier National Park is home to a variety of mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, and bighorn sheep. Visitors to the park can also spot a variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park also boasts a rich variety of wildflowers and other vegetation, including wild roses, lupines, and fireweeds.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation, much of which is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the most commonly seen wildlife species in the park include Hawaiian nene geese, Hawaiian honeycreepers, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. Visitors to the park can also spot a variety of exotic plants and trees, including Ohia lehua, koa, and hala.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer visitors the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, each unique to its respective region. Whether you’re interested in observing majestic mammals, exotic birds, or rare vegetation, both parks are a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Glacier National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
American Robin | Cattle Egret |
Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
Northern Flicker | Chukar |
Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
Savannah Sparrow | California Quail |
Great Blue Heron | |
Hermit Thrush | |
American Kestrel | |
Bald Eagle | |
Song Sparrow | |
European Starling | |
Northern Pintail | |
American Wigeon | |
Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
Glacier National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | House Mouse |
American Beaver | Norway Rat |
Muskrat | ‘Iole |
Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
Bobcat | Feral Hog |
Striped Skunk | |
Little Brown Bat | |
Deer Mouse | |
Raccoon | |
Black Bear | |
Porcupine | |
Silver-Haired Bat | |
Hoary Bat | |
Red Fox | |
Long-Tailed Weasel | |
Mountain Lion | |
Mink | |
Mule Deer | |
Gray Wolf | |
Long-Legged Bat | |
Long-Eared Bat | |
Badger | |
Short-Tailed Weasel | |
California Myotis | |
Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
Glacier National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | |
Brook Trout | |
Longnose Sucker | |
Fathead Minnow | |
Lake Trout | |
Northern Pike | |
Burbot | |
Mottled Sculpin | |
Slimy Sculpin | |
Longnose Dace | |
Sockeye Salmon | |
Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
Glacier National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Rubber Boa |
Amphibians
Glacier National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog |
Insects
Glacier National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
---|---|
Painted Lady | |
Monarch Butterfly | |
American Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Cabbage White | |
Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its stunning glaciers and snow-capped mountains. Visitors can take scenic drives, like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, to see the park’s famous landscapes, including the Grinnell Glacier, Mount Gould and the Continental Divide. The park is also home to over 70 species of mammals, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the big island of Hawaii, showcases the island’s active volcanic landscape. The park is home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two of the world’s most active volcanoes. Visitors can take a hike to the Kilauea caldera and see steam vents and sulfuric fumes. Or they can drive to the Jaggar Museum and witness the glow of Kilauea’s lava lake at night. The park also offers a diverse range of landscapes, including lush rainforests, deserts and subalpine forests.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to explore, but each park has its own set of popular activities.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can explore the stunning Rocky Mountains and go on scenic drives, such as the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity at Glacier, with visitors often spotting elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. The park is also home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Visitors can explore the park’s volcanic landscapes and see the active Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails, including the popular Kīlauea Iki trail, which takes visitors through the park’s volcanic landscapes. In addition to hiking and exploring the park, visitors can also attend ranger-led programs and visit the park’s cultural centers to learn about Hawaiian culture and history.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique and diverse landscapes for visitors to explore and a variety of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, wildlife viewing, hiking, or learning about local culture, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is known for its extreme weather conditions with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to hot in the summer. During the winter, the park is blanketed in snow, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. Summer is the warmest season with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s and is the best time for hiking and exploring the park’s many scenic trails.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has a more tropical climate with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to the high 80s year-round. Despite its tropical location, the park experiences frequent rainfall, especially during the winter months, when heavy rain and strong winds can impact visitor activities. Summer is the driest season, making it the best time to visit for those who want to hike, explore the park’s features, and avoid the rain.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offer unique weather experiences, and the best time to visit each park is largely dependent on the type of activities visitors are interested in pursuing. Whether you’re looking to enjoy winter sports, hike, or simply avoid the rain, it’s important to consider the seasonal weather patterns when planning your trip.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Glacier National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are both popular national parks that are great for families. However, they offer different experiences and amenities, making one better suited for families with children than the other.
Glacier National Park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. There are many scenic drives, hiking trails, and boat tours available for families to enjoy. However, the park is at a high elevation, which can make it difficult for young children and those with limited mobility. Additionally, many of the trails are strenuous, making them less suitable for younger children.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, on the other hand, is located at a lower elevation and is more accessible for families with young children. The park offers many educational opportunities, including ranger-led programs and interactive exhibits. There are also shorter, easier hikes suitable for families, as well as scenic drives that offer stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.
In terms of family-friendliness, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the better choice for families traveling with children. The park’s lower elevation and accessibility, combined with its educational opportunities, make it a great choice for families looking to experience the beauty of a national park while also keeping their children engaged and interested.